When Osseo Area Schools conducted their new teacher orientation, they discovered a number of the 150 new teachers were former students in the district. Many of them chose to become teachers because of their own positive experiences as students and are excited to continue the tradition, this time around, as the teachers. A few of the nearly dozen returning teachers share their stories below:

MELISSA ENGEL

Schools in the district you attended: North View Jr. High; Maple Grove Jr. High; Osseo High School

School at which you are now teaching: First grade at Zanewood Community School, Maple Grove

Years of experience as a teacher prior to coming to Osseo Area Schools: 14

Why do you want to work for Osseo Area Schools?: I live in the community. It is nice to take back roads on snowy days.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?: In college I worked for Brooklyn Park’s Park and Recreation at Zanewood Community Center. That experience gave me a desire to work with children in this community.

Briefly share a favorite memory related to your time as a student at Osseo Area Schools: Singing with Mrs. Wobig and Pop Concerts.

School at which you are now teaching: ELL at Zanewood Community School, Brooklyn Park

Years of experience as a teacher prior to coming to Osseo Area Schools: One

Why do you want to work for Osseo Area Schools?: Osseo Area Schools has always had a great reputation and I had a great educational experience here.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?: I always considered being a teacher, however I finally went back to school for my ESL license after I spent a year teaching in Costa Rica in 2007. As a second career, I found that I truly love the energy and excitement of a school. Working with English Learners from many cultures is inspiring and challenging and I love it.

Briefly share a favorite memory related to your time as a student at Osseo Area Schools: As a student at Osseo Senior High, I was able to travel with the choir to Europe for a week to Germany, Austria and Italy over Spring Break. It was a great way to spend Spring Break during my senior year with friends.

MOLLY SANDERS

Schools in the district you attended: Palmer Lake Elementary, Brooklyn Junior, Park Center Senior High

School at which you are now teaching: ELL at Weaver Lake Elementary, Maple Grove

Years of experience as a teacher prior to coming to Osseo Area Schools: Seven

Why do you want to work for Osseo Area Schools?: I am familiar with the area and with some of the schools and I know how hard Osseo is working to ensure achievement for all students.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?: I have always loved working with kids, with people from backgrounds different from my own and with languages, so becoming an English Learner teacher seemed a natural choice.

Briefly share a favorite memory related to your time as a student at Osseo Area Schools: I remember how my elementary school principal knew the names of every student at the school.

ALEX WALLNER

Schools in the district you attended: Weaver Lake Elementary, Osseo Junior High, Maple Grove Senior High

School at which you are now teaching: Fifth grade at Edinbrook Elementary, Brooklyn Park

Years of experience as a teacher prior to coming to Osseo Area Schools: First year

Why do you want to work for Osseo Area Schools?: I grew up in this district and have fond memories of teachers, friends, and things I have learned in school. My goal is to help other students have a great experience learning in this district as well.

What/who inspired you to become a teacher?: I had so many great teachers growing up and they have all inspired me to do what I love.

Briefly share a favorite memory related to your time as a student at Osseo Area Schools: I have two. In my ninth grade science class, we made full-sized cardboard boats. We raced them in the pool. What a great way to learn about buoyancy!